Sister Joseph Marie Gibbons

Sister Joseph Marie Gibbons, born Sylvia Ann Gibbons on July 26, 1929, entered her eternal home on January 10, 2019. She made her early home in South Bend, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, William J. and Margaret (Haciak) Gibbons, and her brother William. Sister received a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education Degree from St. Mary College in 1951. She taught for several years in Indiana then entered the Carmelite Sisters of St. Therese on August 22, 1959, and made her first vows on June 10, 1961. Sister Joseph Marie received a Master of History Degree from Notre Dame in 1968. She received a Pastoral Ministry Degree from Kansas Newmann in 1987. In 1993 she actively participated in the Aerospace Academy summer program for teachers at the University of Oklahoma in Norman. Sister was assigned to teach in California at Riverside and Hermosa Beach. In Oklahoma she taught at Villa Teresa, St. Charles and St. John's in Yukon. She was principal at Villa Teresa and St. Charles. From 1984 - 1988 she was General Superior of the Carmelite Sisters of St. Therese. In 1988, Sister returned to teaching at Villa Teresa where she taught third grade and was librarian until she retired. In 2007, Sister Joseph Marie was honored in the category of religion and received the Byliner Award. In 2009, she was acknowledged by the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City for 40 years of service to Catholic Education. Sister was not idle in her retirement years. After returning from a pilgrimage in Italy honoring the Blessed Mother, she lead a holy hour on Fridays honoring Mary and praying for vocations. Sister was also famous for the jokes she gathered to share with the Sisters and the Saint Ann Retirement Center residents. She made birthday and thinking-of-you cards for St. Ann Nursing Home residents. Her faith, love of God, and dedication were an inspiration for her sisters and all she met. Services for Sister Joseph Marie will take place in the Chapel at St. Ann Retirement Center, 7501 West Britton Road, OKC. Evening Prayer and the Rosary celebrating Sister's life will take place on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at 7:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will take place Monday, January 14, 2019 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.